Tourism NI launches accommodation certification campaign ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Photo caption: (L-R) Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, Gareth Bennett and Priscilla McLoughlin, owners of The Little Birdhouse in Greyabbey which has been certified by Tourism NI, and Peter Cassidy, Station Commander with the NIFRS, help launch Tourism NI’s accommodation certification campaign ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

 

Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music, song, dance and competitions, between August 2 and 9, 2026.

 

Around 700,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which will include a fringe programme in regional areas.

 

In preparation, Tourism NI has launched a new accommodation certification campaign to ensure providers are Fleadh-ready for the event.

 

It is legal requirement that all visitor accommodation in Northern Ireland is certified by Tourism NI, even if they are let on an ad-hoc basis.

 

Such legislation ensures that all providers comply with relevant regulations, operate on a level playing field, maintain quality standards, and instil consumer confidence in our tourism offerings.

 

More importantly, operating without certification could result in legal action against the operator and reputational damage to the wider industry.

 

The certification process includes a physical inspection of the property and its facilities by a member of the Tourism NI team. Proprietors can also receive operational and marketing advice during the certification process.

 

The new industry-wide campaign, which is being supported by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), emphasises the importance of legal operation and the simplicity of the certification process.

 

The campaign is being launched just weeks before Tourism NI hosts a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann information webinar on February 18.

 

This session will offer accommodation providers planning to promote properties during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with practical information and highlight the importance of responsible and fair pricing, which will help ensure the event remains accessible for visitors, delivers lasting economic benefits for accommodation providers, and preserves the inclusive spirit that defines the event.

 

Further details about the webinar and how to register is available at Getting Fleadh Ready: Lunch and Learn Webinar A Guide for Accommodation Providers

 

Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: “The process of applying for certification is very simple and can be completed online. Once certified, we will conduct one statutory inspection of the property over a four-year period.

“Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is sure to draw performers and visitors from around the world who will be in need of accommodation across the region. We want to ensure they receive the best experience possible.

 

“Therefore, it is really important that anyone providing visitor accommodation is certified in good time ahead of the event in August. We don’t want anyone looking to offer visitor accommodation to miss out by not being certified.”

 

Peter Cassidy, Station Commander with the NIFRS, said: “We’re proud to partner with Tourism NI to highlight the importance of fire safety in tourist accommodations ahead of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

 

“Before renting out your property as a holiday let, ensure it meets the required fire safety standards by conducting a fire risk assessment, confirming the appropriate smoke alarms are installed and working, and providing clear escape instructions for occupants in case of fire.

 

“Together, we can help make this a safe and memorable summer, for all the right reasons.”

 

Further information about certification is available from Tourism NI by emailing qa@tourismni.com or by calling 028 90 441545.